LESSONS TO LIVE BY

Sometimes, it is required of youth
That he sits with he,
Who has seen more moons than him
And has traversed more lands than him –
For he may learn
And be given to understanding.
Such was my lot as I sat with the wise, old man
He looked at me and spoke, saying:

Be honest, be straightforward;
Keep to your promises and refrain from lying
For these virtues are more than money.
Make sure you leave a good name,
Let people trust you to be true
Take that which is due you and do not be greedy
For greed will take away your peace
And sleep, shall you not have.

He asked me,
If you have all the money in the world,
Will it be enough?
So, be patient and do not be lazy.

His words were filled with wisdom,
His speech was expensive as gold,
Indeed I met him but for a moment
But he left me with words to live by,
As we bade farewell